US officials cooperating with investigation on death of US serviceman

United States Embassy officials are cooperating with Philippine authorities to determine the details surrounding the death of a US serviceman in Manila, a statement issued by the embassy said yesterday.

A 38-year-old US army sergeant involved in training local troops in counter-terrorism operations has been found dead in his hotel room in Manila on Thursday.

Police spokesman Senior Superintendent Joel Goltiao said there was no sign of injury or foul play.

While the embassy said in a statement that the soldier appeared to have died of natural causes, the cause of death has to be conclusively determined.

According to the embassy, official identification of the deceased serviceman will only be confirmed after notification of his next of kin.

"The US Embassy extends its deepest condolences to the family, colleagues and friends of the deceased serviceman in their hour of loss," the statement said.

The serviceman was in the country to participate in the security assistance training the US forces are providing to the Armed Forces of the Philippines in Zamboanga.

The Philippines has been a staunch ally in the US-led war on terror and US troops have been deployed in the south to train to local troops. — AFP